- A law firm has launched an investigation into P&O
- It comes after Daily Mail Australia aired allegations of misconduct in the game.
- Investigation Could Lead to Class Action Lawsuit
- Do you have a similar story? Contact tita.smith@mailonline.com
A leading Australian law firm is investigating a luxury cruise company for “immoral and offensive” gambling conduct after a man fell overboard after racking up a huge casino debt.
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter, who is also former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, revealed his company launched an investigation into P&O Cruises after the death of Shane Dixon, 45, on May 6.
The major announcement comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed that Dixon died after racking up a $9,000 casino debt aboard the Pacific Adventure while being offered gambling incentives such as free drinks and a free cruise voucher.
Daily Mail Australia subsequently spoke to several other people who shared similar heartbreaking stories, including claims they were told self-exclusion was not an option or that they were interrogated and held on board by staff after failing to pay their bills.
Carter said P&O’s conduct is possibly misleading and preventing passengers and their families from disembarking is illegal.
“Providing free alcohol, offering free cruises for those who play the most, and allowing automatic credit are examples of egregious conduct,” he said.
Shane Dixon, 45, (pictured) died after losing thousands of dollars on P&O’s Pacific Adventure earlier this month.
“Most would agree that this is immoral and unconscionable, but whatever label is used, it is definitely offensive.”
Carter said none of these actions are generally allowed in Australian locations.
“I accept that these passengers are adults and choose to gamble knowing the risk, but we are talking about practices that take advantage of vulnerabilities and actively encourage people to lose money,” he said.
“Then they resort to heavy-handed tactics to recover the debt.”
He also warned P&O that it is illegal to detain people over a debt and that significant compensation must be paid as a result.
“The practice of preventing passengers and their families from leaving the ship and questioning them – even for short periods – while they are in an Australian port is illegal,” he said.
Carter called the company’s conduct “immoral” and “unconscionable.” Pictured is the Pacific Adventure returning to Sydney Harbor after she was delayed due to the search for Mr Dixon’s body.
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter (pictured) announced his firm has launched an investigation into P&O.
“A cruise line must allow a passenger to leave and follow up any debt in court if necessary.”
Carter said the investigation will delve into the company’s practices and solutions for recovering financial losses suffered by former passengers and damages from false imprisonment.
“There may be legal recourse in a variety of ways and affected passengers have the right to consider it,” he said.
“Cruises can be a wonderful vacation, but passengers expect a safe and enjoyable cruise without becoming victims of exploitative practices.”
Although still in its early stages, the investigation could lead to a class action lawsuit against P&O. Daily Mail Australia has contacted P&O for comment.
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